Two Main Considerations Men Should Make When Choosing the Right Work Bag

There are many investments a man can make during their life—in stocks, in bonds, in suits, and even in his partner. That said, there’s one item we believe is often neglected, yet every businessman should be investing in—a good bag for work.

With so many briefcases, messenger bags, and backpacks out there, some find it difficult to figure out which one suits their needs and sense of style. Others simply grab the first bag they see that fits their laptop and wallet. Despite this, modern businessmen should have a bag that exudes elegance and professionalism.

Just as the perfect pair of heels can help a woman radiate power and grace all at the same time, a smart work bag can help businessmen make a great first impression. Moreover, good work bags are able to store your belongings better and make locating items a breeze!

While briefcases are the bags most commonly associated with work, men can actually choose from quite a range of options—messengers, attaché cases, soft briefcases, backpacks, and even rolling bags. If you aren’t sure which type of bag is best for you, however, you’re in luck. We’ll be going over a few things that should be considered in the process of choosing the right work bag. Perhaps you’ll find out what’s perfect for you!

Without further ado, here are two major considerations men should make when choosing the perfect work bag:

1. The Type of Bag

While the storage capabilities of a bag is important, style shouldn’t be neglected. Aesthetics will dictate a bag’s appropriateness in specific environments, much like a dress code. Every workplace has a different dress code. A suit and tie may be customary in some places, while jeans and a t-suit are perfectly acceptable at others. You’ll have to gauge the level of formality required of you at work before choosing the work bag that will be appropriate.

As mentioned above, there are a few specific types of work bags you can choose from:

Before you even begin to consider the size and color, you’ll need to decide on the type of bag that is most suitable for your needs.

Messenger bags are common among younger businessmen in more casual working environments. They are relaxed, yet practical and can be paired with quite a variety of outfits. It’s important to note that the messenger bag will look quite out of place in a formal working environment. Fortunately, many workplaces are moving towards a more lax environment when it comes to dress codes, which is why we wouldn’t be surprised to see more messenger bags being used as time goes by.

Briefcases and attaché cases exude a feeling of luxury and formality. Black, structured briefcases are often paired with sleek suits for a look that can only be described as classic. These bags can give you a more commanding presence. While they’re most commonly seen in formal working environments, they can be styled for more casual environments as well. After all, they’re practical for when you need to protect the contents of your bag. The hard shell of both briefcases and attaché bags are perfect for keeping essential items safe and sound inside.

The soft briefcase is the best of both worlds. Whether your workplace is formal half the weekdays and informal the rest, this briefcase holds its own. It is versatile in styling options and will adapt to any of its surroundings. In other words, if you want a briefcase you can use anywhere, a soft briefcase is your perfect choice.

Gone are the days when backpacks were only seen in elementary schools. Today, backpacks can be found in more styles than ever. Don’t want to seem too casual with a Jansport? No problem. There’s a sleek, elegant-looking matte black backpack for you! Plenty of manufacturers are now producing backpacks with the modern businessman in mind. With features like padded laptop compartments and ergonomic shoulder pads, you can be a professional while still sporting your bag of choice.

Rolling briefcases aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, but for some, they’re a lifesaver. Whether you need to haul around a stack of heavy documents every day or simply need something for travel, they’ll take the load off your back and put it on wheels.

2. The Storage Capabilities You Require

The volume—or size—of your work bag plays a huge role when it comes to selecting the perfect one for you. Take a moment to sit down and figure out what you will be carrying around in your bag daily. Do you need space for documents? Do you always have your Macbook on hand? Do you often find yourself stuffing additional items in a spare tote? The number of items you’ll need to carry around will help you determine the final size your work bag should be.

To be on the safe side, though, we recommend that you purchase a work bag that has a little more space than your regular items require. That way, whenever you need to carry anything extra, the briefcase is big enough to accommodate while not being so big that it is a hindrance to carry around daily.

The Bottom Line

When it all comes down to it, the two main considerations you’ll have to make in the process of choosing the right work bag is type and storage capabilities required. Consider the level of formality expected of you as well as your own sense of personal style when settling on a bag type. After that, consider how big a bag you will need. Keep in mind that certain bags do have expandable functionalities, so you may be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. After some careful consideration, we hope you’ll determine what’s right for you!